Chapter 27: Traveling to the Capital with Family

The Li family was not considered a great clan, but they were certainly prosperous and thriving. When the elder Mr. Li first married his wife, they had a daughter, Yan’s mother. After his first wife passed away, he remarried the current Mrs. Li, surnamed Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang bore two children, Li Chun and Li Xia. Li Chun married and had two sons and a daughter, while Li Xia had a son and a daughter, with another child currently on the way.

Counting those capable of work, there were Li Chun, Li Xia, and their sons Li Changji and Li Changxiang.

Li Chun’s mouth was wide open, yet he didn’t utter a single word, appearing somewhat awkward.

In contrast, Li Xia cheerfully confirmed that nineteen-year-old Li Changji was the choice. “Ji’s child has had some schooling, can read and write, and has been running errands at the brocade workshop these past few years. He’s a well-trained young man.”

“He’s steady, perceptive, articulate, and has better prospects at the Brocade Trade Office than with us. A few major merchants left today, and he went to help with deliveries. I’ll have him come and speak with you later. If you have any instructions, feel free to tell him.”

What Yan Chaonian didn’t know was that when the brothers brought this news back to the Li household, the family first rejoiced wildly, then argued endlessly over who should go. Naturally, Li Chun’s wife supported her husband, emphasizing that Li Chun was the chief steward of the brocade workshop, managing affairs inside and out, a capable man indeed.

Li Xia’s wife was outspoken, insisting her husband was sharp and young, with a brighter future if he went.

The sisters-in-law exchanged words for a while. At this point, Li Changji’s wife also spoke up, saying only Li Changji was suitable—young, capable, literate, and favored by the elder Mr. Li. In the end, the decision was made decisively.

Because of this, Li Chun felt guilty toward Li Xia, torn between his son and his brother, caught in a dilemma.

Yan Chaonian had thought the choice would be her second uncle; in truth, she favored him more. Although he disliked her the most, he was also the kindest to her.

“I don’t have much to tell him, only that once he’s at the Brocade Trade Office, he must prioritize its interests and avoid openly favoring the Chaobrocade Workshop. As for other matters, let my father remind him a few times.”

Li Chun nodded and added a few remarks about the brocade workshop before leaving.

As soon as they left, Yan’s mother spoke, “Your grandfather still can’t see clearly.”

Old age brings confusion and a lack of insight.

“This matter should have gone to your second uncle. Though he’s sometimes not sharp, he’s tactful, smooth, and quick-witted. Once at the Brocade Trade Office, he’ll make an impact in no time.”

“Ji Chang will also be running errands; it will take years before he can truly help the brocade workshop.”

The eldest son, the eldest grandson—the elder’s precious roots—Yan’s mother shook her head.

Yan Chaonian felt no regret. “Perhaps after some training, my cousin will improve. The current Chaobrocade Workshop no longer needs embellishment; steady, solid progress is the priority. Rushing too fast with an unstable foundation will only bring a fleeting success.”

“We’re not short of merchants now, but if we can’t supply goods, all those merchants waving silver won’t find the materials they want. That silver won’t reach my coffers, and that pains me deeply.”

A soft laugh came from behind. Turning around, she saw Yuan Shen smiling faintly. He teased her, “Since when did you start seeing silver everywhere?”

Yan Chaonian smiled back, “Silver is a strange thing—the more you see it, the more you like it; the more you have, the happier you become.”

“Why are you home so early today?”

“I promised my son I’d take him horseback riding.”

“Horseback riding?”

Yan Chaonian thought she must have misheard. “You mean what I think you mean?”

“Yes.”

“Father!”

The little boy ran happily toward him. Yuan Shen bent down, lifted him up, and spun him around twice in the courtyard, making the child laugh heartily.

“Father’s taking you horseback riding. Want to go?”

The boy was overjoyed. Yuan Shen called for a carrier, strapped the child in, said, “Going horseback riding,” and left. Yan Chaonian looked on with mixed feelings, turning to her mother, “Look at them, those two are utterly shameless.”

“Xun’er’s father knows what he’s doing. Don’t worry.”

Yan’s mother smiled warmly. Yuan Shen’s fondness for his wife and child was a good thing.

Yan Chaonian went back inside with Shui Yun and rummaged through the wardrobe, preparing to find a few bolts of fabric to make new clothes for the two men.

Only her mother knew that besides her skill in brocade weaving, Yan Chaonian was also adept at tailoring. However, in a noble household like the Bo family’s, such skills were deemed unworthy and she never got the chance to showcase them.

Shui Yun found two pieces of fine cloth. Yan Chaonian liked them. “Xun’er is growing fast and very active. Let’s make him two more jackets to layer.”

“This fine cloth uses good cotton, sweat-absorbent and breathable, very suitable for the little master.”

“Should we make two brocade robes for the general?”

Yan Chaonian shook her head. “He wears fine cloth underneath, but his outer coat is made of thick fabric. Brocade isn’t suitable for him.”

A military man who constantly wielded swords and sticks—what use would brocade robes be?

“If you give him a robe made from fabric worth two thousand taels, he’d probably be so pained he couldn’t open his eyes. Then he’d ask if he could sell it, thinking it’d be better to trade for pork to feed his soldiers.”

“Only the lady understands me.”

The horseback ride returned swiftly, surprising Yan Chaonian. “Was Xun’er frightened?”

Yuan Shen handed over his still excited son to Shui Yun to take outside. Then he said to Yan Chaonian, “We just received news from the capital—the emperor wants me to bring my family there.”

“What’s happened?”

Xin An put down the fabric she was holding and came over. “Didn’t you just win a battle? Are they calling you to the capital for a reward?”

“A reward wouldn’t require bringing family along, would it?”

She felt uneasy.

Yuan Shen took her hand. “I guess there’s going to be another war.”

“The border is unstable all year round, with several small battles each year. Even if it’s not a major war, everyone is exhausted. According to protocol, whenever a general leads troops out, the family must go to the capital.”

Yan Chaonian understood this. “They’re like hostages—I’ve seen this before.”

“When do we leave?”

Yuan Shen said he would depart three days ahead on a fast horse. The court expected him to hasten to the capital. “You pack up and follow later, bringing Xun’er. My parents don’t have to come.”

“I’ll leave a squad to escort you. The court will arrange a residence for us.”

Yan Chaonian tried to calm herself. “I understand. Don’t worry about me and Xun’er. I’ll make arrangements. You focus on your duties. If you need anything, just say the word.”

“I’ll prepare your luggage as soon as possible.”

Married to a general, she was prepared for him to be called away at any moment and felt no panic or helplessness.

Yuan Shen nodded and pulled her into his arms. “The next few days will be very busy, but I’ll try to come back and rest. Thank you for everything.”

“No trouble at all. You know I’m prepared.”

There was no time for sentimentality or sweet words. Yuan Shen left quickly. Yan Chaonian found her mother and told her about the situation. “You and father should stay here. Big brother will probably be kept behind, too. We can’t leave this place unguarded.”

“I know the capital well. No problem.”